It has become quite clear that service is close to Pope Francis’ heart. From his words in public addresses and homilies to his actions in St. Peter’s Square (see pages 5 and 7), the Holy Father reaches out to us in our fast-paced, 140-character world — and reminds us of the virtue of simple service.

God raised up Korean War chaplain Father Emil Kapaun as an exemplary model of service. He died in 1951 in a Korean prison camp.

The state has now recognized what the Church has known: that Father Kapaun served his fellow men in a heroic manner. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 11 at the White House (see page one). The Church declared him a Servant of God in 1993.

Father Kapaun’s witness to Christ is a model for all of us to follow, especially in these uncertain times in which attempts to redefine even basic morality surround us. Let us remember how Father Kapaun served — and how Pope Francis is leading us to serve.

As Catholics, we know Christ promised he would reward us in heaven. But, as fallen humanity, it’s also heartening to see a well-lived life affirmed here on earth.